Got Grit?
The word grit makes me think of those classic Western movies like True Grit with John Wayne.
The older generation is a good example of that old-school grit, where people worked hard and made sacrifices for the greater good. There was integrity as well, where their values and beliefs were consistent with their actions. It’s so important in today’s world that we foster a sense of grit, especially in our younger generation, for them to build a strong character and a foundation for their success in life.
Grit is about being mentally tough. It’s about having a backbone and that driving force that helps us stick to our goals while we hit every bump in the road. Even if we fall or fail, we get right back up in the saddle and gather up our courage, strength, and stamina to carry on.
Grit is about passion and perseverance to help us achieve our long-term and meaningful goals.
“Without effort, your talent is nothing more than unmet potential. Without effort, your skill is nothing more than what you could have done but didn’t.”
― Angela Duckworth, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Talent does not necessarily ensure success; it takes true grit to stand up for anything worthwhile that we want to achieve. It’s the old-fashioned way of working ethics, which includes hard work, determination, and persistence, that wins over talent. With effort, your talent can become a productive skill.
It also helps to have a positive growth mindset and a resolution to commit to whatever has to be done.
The secret to a happy and successful life is grit – the willpower, the tenacity, and the guts to persevere with passion and to serve a greater purpose.
While we are riding on this journey called life, we need to tap into our inner cowboy with these golden nuggets of wisdom to help us along the way.
- We need to remind ourselves that when we fall, we need to get back up.
- We need to allow ourselves to make mistakes and learn our lessons, so we can continue to work towards success.
- We need to keep looking up and continue being positive when we encounter difficulties.
- We need to stay strong and firm, especially when we feel like quitting. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Keep moving in the direction of your goals with consistency and resilience.
- We need to show up, keep doing the work, and push forward despite the setbacks. Turn those obstacles we may encounter along the way into stepping stones to reach our goals.
- Above all, we need to keep our sights set on what we want so we can focus; never give up on our dreams and keep on blazing our own trail.
“Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway.” John Wayne
So let’s cowboy up and get gritty! Happy Trails…..
Antoinette Giacobbe M.A.
